Jfl&v . -, ,0^5 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 






UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



M*' 



Sfl» 



H I S T O 1^ \ 



T 



PORT ELIZABETH, 



CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, 



DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME 



WITH AN ARTICLE ON MS RESOURCES AND A FUl.I, ACCOUNT OF 
THE LATE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 



By F. W. BOVVEN. 



ALSO THE; CENTENNIAL POEPVI. 



By C. B/^OGDEN. 



{ MA Y ]^ 1 GC5^j/ 
V^,_ loo <TrH^^ 






PRINTED B Y 

J. IJ. L I P P I N C O T T C O M P A N Y, 

PHILADELPHIA. 
1885. 



Copyright, 1885, by F. W. BOWEN and C. B. Ogden. 



V 



V 



\ 



PREFACE. 



In presenting this history of Port Eh'zabeth to our friends 
and the public, we desire to state that no stone has been left 
unturned to secure information from every available source. 
While we have endeavored to be as accurate as possible, there 
may be some errors. Should any be detected, we hope charity 
will be meted us rather than adverse criticism. 

We desire to acknowledge our indebtedness and extend our 
thanks to Charles E. Sheppard, Esq., of Bridgeton, to Hon. 
B. F. Lee, of Trenton, to James Stewart, of Greenwich, Daniel 
Harris, Esq., Francis Lee, Col. J. Howard Willets, and to all 
other inhabitants of Port Elizabeth who have rendered us 
valuable assistance in the preparation of our work. Also to 
F. L. Godfrey, Esq., Clerk of Cumberland County, who fur- 
nished us information from his office, and to C. B. Ogden, 
who contributed the articles on the Civil War, Resources, and 
Centennial Celebration. 

F. W. BOWEN. 

Port Elizaueth, N. J., April 4, 1885. 



CONTENTS. 



General History 

Early Settlers 

Swedes' Church 

Condition at the Time of Mrs. Clark 

Laying out of the Town Plot 

Laying out of Glasstown 

Laying out of Bricksboro' 

Port of Delivery established 

Roads 

Meadow Company and Bridge 
First Embankment on the River . 

Post- Office 

Hotels 

Schools 

Methodist Episcopal Church . 

Methodist Episcopal Parsonage . 

Friends' Meeting-House . 

Presbyterian Church 

Baptist Church .... 

African Methodist Episcopal Church 

Societies : Masons, Dorcas, Literary 

Eagle Glass-Works . 

Union Glass-Works . 

Business Enterprises 

Negro Exodus . 

Public Men 

Sketch of Mrs. Bodly's Life 

Civil War .... 

Natural and Available Resources 

Account of the Centennial Celebrati 

Centennial Poem .... 



s Purchase 



PAGB 

7 

9 

9 

II 

II 

12 
12 
12 
12 
13 
13 
13 
14 
17 
19 
24 
24 

25 
26 

27 
27 

29 
30 
30 
32 

33 

34 
36 
3S 
43 
52 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Interior of Methodist Etiscopal Church Centennial Day. Frontispiece. 

Continental Parade . . . 43 

Matrons and Aides of Banquet Hall 51 



HISTORY 

OF 



PORT ELIZABETH, CUMBERLAND CO., N. J. 



GENERAL HISTORY. 

On the I2th of March, 1664, King Charles II., of England, 
granted the whole tract from the Connecticut to the Delaware 
River to his brother James, Duke of York, who afterwards 
became James II. 

Before he had taken formal possession of the country he 
granted, June 23 of the same year, all that portion of his ter- 
ritory lying between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers to John 
Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. The name New Cae- 
sarea, or New Jersey, was given to it at that time in honor of 
Carteret, who had been governor of the Isle of Jersey, and 
held it for the English against foreign invasion. 

Lord Berkeley became dissatisfied, and by deed of bargain 
and sale, March 18, 1674, conveyed all of his undivided half of 
New Jersey to John Fenwick. The deed though made to Fen- 
wick was really for Edward Byllinge, as his funds were used in 
the purchase, and Fenwick was in equity a trustee for him. 

In a short time Fenwick claimed the whole, and difficulty 
arose between him and Byllinge. It was finally agreed to 
refer the matter to William Pcnn to decide. After each party 
had stated his case, Penn decided that Fenwick was entitled 
to one-tenth and Byllinge to nine-tenths. Fenwick at first 
would not be bound by the decision, but finally agreed to it. 
In a short time Byllinge became bankrupt, and on February 
9-10, 1675, he and Fenwick conveyed to William Penn, Gauen 

7 



8 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

Laurie, and Nicholas Lucas all of their undivided half of New 
Jersey. Laurie and Lucas were the principal creditors of 
Byllinge, hence the transfer to them. 

It was supposed at the time that the deed was absolute, but 
by some means Fenwick retained his one-tenth. 

On July I, 1676, New Jersey was divided into East Jersey 
and West Jersey, by a line running from Little Egg Harbor to 
the Delaware River, 41° north latitude. George Carteret took 
East Jersey, and Penn, Laurie, and Lucas, West Jersey. The 
proprietors designed to have the land divided into one hundred 
shares, of which John Fenwick owned ten, being the amount 
to which Penn had previously decided he was entitled. 

Many shares were sold, until the proprietors became so 
numerous it was a difficult matter to get them together to 
transact the business affairs of the province. It was then de- 
cided to have a Proprietary Council elected annually to manage 
the affairs. The first Council was elected in 1678. The land 
which comprises Cumberland and Cape May Counties was held 
by the Indians until 1688, when most of it was purchased by 
Daniel Coxe, March 30, April 30, and May 16. 

The Council soon ordered surveys made in various parts of 
the province for different persons. In the month of April, 1691, 
Thomas Budd and John Worledge .started from Burlington in 
a small vessel, came down the bay, and made a number of 
surveys in the lower part of Cumberland County and in 
Cape May. On the east side of Maurice River they laid 
out a twenty-thousand-acre survey for Robert Squibbs, Sr., 
and Robert Squibbs, Jr., of Westminster, Middlesex County, 
England. At the same time they ran out the town plot of 
Dorchester, which contained two thousand acres, and extended 
Irom Squibbs's line up the river above the present town of Dor- 
chester, which was not built until the present century. 

Just above the Dorchester tract they laid off ten thousand 
acres for John Bartlett, which extended as far north as Manu- 
muskin Creek. Bartlett conveyed his tract to John Scott, by 
whom it was sold out in smaller tracts. About 1720 he sold 
the part where Port Elizabeth stands to John Purple, who was 
a prominent citizen and the first member of the Board of Free- 



EARLY SETTLERS. g 

holders from Maurice River. Tliis was in 174S, when the 
county was organized. Purple conveyed his to John Bell, who 
lived in Maurice River in 1740, at which time he had a tavern 
there. He was a ship-joiner, and afterwards removed to Little 
Creek, Kent County, Pa.* 

On August 19, 1 77 1, Bell deeded to P^lizabeth Clark, after- 
ward Bodly.t two hundred and thirteen acres, including where 
Port Elizabeth stands, for two hundred and sixty pounds ster- 



EARLY SETTLERS. 

Who were the first white settlers in the limits of Cumberland 
County is not known. It has been said that some of the 
Swedes, who made a settlement farther up the Delaware in 
1638, established themselves on the banks of Maurice River 
previous to any other white settlers in the county, but no evi- 
dence has been found to sustain this opinion, although it is not 
improbable that such was the case. Gabriel Thomas, a Friend, 
in a book published in London in 1698, speaks of Prince 
Maurice River, "where the Swedes used to kill the geese in 
great numbers for their feathers only, leaving their carcasses 
behind them." How long a time previous. to the publication 
of the book is meant is not known, but it implies that there 
were some Swedish settlers there previous to its publication- 
Whether the first settlers or not, the descendants of many of 
the Swedes are quite numerous to the present time. 

About the time John Purple bought the land where Port 
P21izabeth stands, 1720, settlers are known to have come, 
and from that time continued to come, so that about 1743 
two acres of land were purchased, most probably from John 
Hoffman, a short distance above Spring Garden Ferry, and 
a Swedish church was erected for the use of the brethren, 
and dedicated to the worship of God by Abraham Reincke, 
Owen Rice, Matthew Rentz, and Pastor Lawrence T. Ny- 
berg, on December 18, 1746. The church was used as such 



* The recorded deed names Pa. 

■j- Usually spelled IJ-o-d-l-e-y, which is incorrect. 



lO HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

previous to its dedication, the first sermon being preached in it 
on June 27, 1745, and Jeremiah, infant son of Lars and Susan 
Peterson, was baptized immediately after it. The following are 
the names of persons who resided in Maurice River and were 
attached to the brethren : Samuel Cabb and wife, Catherine 
Paul Camp, Nicholas Hopman and wife, John Hopman and 
wife, Peter Hopman and wife, Frederic Hopman and wife, 
Joseph Jones, Abraham Jones and wife, Eric Kyn and wife, 

Lommus, Peter Mosslander, Margaret , a widow, 

Stephen Mullicas and wife, Eric Mullicas and wife, Lucas 
Peterson, Lars Peterson and wife, Aaron Peterson, Thomas 

Peterson, Gabriel Powell, Purple, Shiloh, an Indian, Samuel 

Van Immen and wife, David Van Immen, Peter Van Immen, 
and Gabriel Van Immen. 

The book in which the records of the church were kept has 
been partially destroyed, the first seven leaves having been torn 
out and lost. The record left commences with the fifteenth 
page and is dated 1748. There are some family records of 
births and baptisms in the back part of the book that date back 
to 1743. The names of the persons who officiated at the 
baptisms are Paul Brycelus, 1743-54; Mr. Nemberg, 1744-45 ; 
Abraham Reincke, 1745-50; John Wade, 1748-49; Gabriel 
Noesmann, 1750-51; Abraham Seidenius, 175 1; Matthew 
Reiz, 1751-54; Earnest Gemboed, 1755-57. Here there occurs 
a long interval. John Vexeel, 1768-71. Lastly, Nicholas 
Collin, 1771-72. From this church the resident missionary 
would occasionally itinerate by way of Cape May along the 
Jersey shore as far as Great and Little Egg Harbor. This 
church was no doubt a success. Just how long it stood is not 
known. Nicholas Collin is the last minister known to have been 
there. For a number of years the only stones left standing in 
the yard were those to mark the graves of Hezekiah Lore and 
his wife Elizabeth. The one died June 19, 1770, the other Janu- 
ary 2, 1761. These stones were removed in September, 1881, 
by Harry Lore, Sr., to the Methodist Episcopal Church- yard. 
There is now but little left to mark the spot where the church 
once stood and flourished. 



CONDITION AT TIME OF MRS. CLARK'S PURCHASE. u 

CONDITION AT THE TIME OF MRS. CLARK'S 
PURCHASE. 

As has been previously stated, Mrs. Elizabeth Clark bought 
the land where Port Elizabeth stands in lyyi. At that time it 
was what would be called a vast wilderness, with no improve- 
ments save a few log houses. One was situated in the rear of 
where Colonel J. Howard Willets now lives. It was the residence 
(if not at that time, a number of years afterwards) of Patrick Hoy. 
It is described in several deeds as being " Patrick Hoy's cedar 
log house." Another stood in the field, back of Captain Smith 
Mason's. Probably the best set of buildings in the vicinity at 
that time was what is now known as the " Lore Homestead," on 
Maurice River. This Hezekiah Lore, the great-grandfather of 
the present Jonathan Lore, purchased of John Hoffman, and 
moved on it about 1750. At that time tradition says he owned 
the only horse and the one ox between Maurice River and Cum- 
berland Furnace. He built the barn, still standing, the frame 
of which was cut and hewed at Antuxet, and floated down the 
bay and up Maurice River to the farm. The barn was twenty- 
five by forty feet in size, and the people who assisted in rais- 
ing it declared there would never be enough hay raised along 
Maurice River to fill it. Nathan Hand had a store near " Board 
Landing," which was near the Eagle Glass-Works, some time 
previous to the laying out of the town. He probably traded 
also in wood, lumber, etc. At a very early time the place went 
by the name of " The Store." People came from far and near, 
on foot and on horseback, to get their groceries and do their 
trading in general. After the dam was built across the Me- 
nowskin, now Manumuskin, it went by the name of " The Dam" 
until it was named Port Elizabeth, in honor of its founder, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Bodly, Mrs. Bodly had laid out by surveyors Eli 
Elmer and Nathan Hand the town plot, the main portion of 
which was called the thirty-rod square, bounded as follows : on 
the north by Broadway, on the east by Second Street, on the 
south by Lombard (or Quaker) Street, and on the west by 
Front Street. The first lot was deeded October i, 1785, to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



12 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

What is now known as Glasstown is a part of a tract of one 
hundred and seventy-seven acres sold by Nathan Hand to 
James Lee, January 29, 1805, for the sum of two thousand 
dollars, as hereafter mentioned. Lee sold several lots on the 
main street leading by the glass-works. The land lying south- 
east of that street and joining the line of Mrs. Bodly's tract 
was bought by Joshua Brick, Sr., who opened the streets now 
existing in that portion of the town, and laid out the land in 
building lots, many of which were built upon in the early years 
of this century. The part known as Bricksboro', three-quarters 
of a mile south of the town proper, was also laid out by Joshua 
Brick, who commenced selling lots in 1807. 

ESTABLISHED AS A PORT OF DELIVERY. 

In 1789 an act of Congress was passed establishing districts 
for the collection of duties on imports, and the eastern side of 
the Delaware, from above Camden to Cape May, was made the 
district of Bridgeton, with Bridgeton as the port of entry, and 
Salem and Port Elizabeth as ports of delivery. Port Elizabeth 
was considered a fine location for business, particularly in wood 
and lumber; consequently a number of enterprising young men 
of business saw the advantages of the place, purchased lots, and 
built dwellings, storehouses, etc. Among these were James 
and Thomas Lee, Joshua Brick, Isaac Townsand, and Stephen 
Willis. The place grew rapidly, a large trade was carried on 
with the West Indies from Maurice River directly for a number 
of years ; but the greater advantages of New York and Phila- 
delphia ended all foreign trade from here more than fifty years 
ago. Port Elizabeth, in the early part of the present century, 
was one of the two leading towns in the county; Bridgeton 
being the other. 

ROADS. 

In 1794 an act was passed by the Legislature to open several 
roads, among these being one from Port Elizabeth to Bridge- 
ton. This road was located but never opened. The present 
straight road from Bridgeton to Buckshutem, and from there 



MEADOW COMPANY AXD liR IDC E.—POST-OFI'ICK. 



^3 



across the river to Port Elizabeth, was laid in the usual way in 
1810, a short distance north of the former one. The road from 
Port Elizabeth to Tuckahoe was laid and opened in 1794. The 
road from Port Elizabeth to Millviile as now used was laid out 
and opened, after a long contest, in 18 18. The road from Broad- 
way, leading by the Eagle Glass-Works, was regularly laid out 
in 1800, July I. 

MEADOW COMPANY AND BRIDGE. 

By an act of the Legislature, May 27, 1782, a charter was 
granted to a company to build the dam " from the fast land of 
Henry Reeves to the fast land of Elizabeth Bodly," also to 
incorporate the meadow company. The dam was erected, 
however, previous to that time. By the charter, Abraham 
Hoffman and Elemucl Edwards were appointed managers until 
the third Tuesday of the following March, when the owners 
were to meet at the house occupied by Silas Wheaton and 
elect others, and transact such other business as might come 
before them. 

In 1 82 1 the Board of Freeholders built a bridge over the 
Manumuskin Creek in Port Elizabeth, eight rods long, eighteen 
inches high above all tides in the creek, and twenty feet wide 
in the clear. In 1838 a new one was built on the truss plan, 
sixty feet long and twenty feet wide, and is covered. It was 
built by Amos Campbell, contractor, for the sum of two thou- 
sand three hundred and fifty dollars. 

FIRST EMBANKMENT ON THE RIVER. 

The first meadow embanked on Maurice River was done by 
John Hoffman, and was a small lot situated on the north side 
of Manumuskin Creek, a short distance below where Harry 
Lore now lives. 

POST-OFFICE. 

The post-office was established in 1802. The following is 
a list of the postmasters, with the dates of their appointment : 



14 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

Jacob Hammit,* 1802; James Lee, 1802; Stephen Willis, 
November 13, 18 10; John Dunham, July 2, 181 3; Stephen 
Willis, March 24, 18 14; Thomas Lee, October 31, 1818; Francis 
Lee, January 2, 1833 ; Samuel Ogden, April 18, 1836; Francis 
Lee, December 6, 1836; Jonathan Lore, Jr., June 21, 1841 ; 
Jacob P. Bickley, February 5, 1842 ; Francis Lee, March 6, 1844 ; 
Thomas Lee, January 20, 1846; Jacob P. Bickley, June il, 
1849; Daniel Harris, April 2, 185 1 ; John G. Mitchell, January 
16, 1854; Daniel Harris, May 26, 1854. 

Before the building of the West Jersey Railroad the mail 
was carried by stage from Camden to Port Elizabeth ; Law- 
rence Cake and Abijah Shull carrying it prior to 1827. The 
line was bought by David Gale, who ran it for fourteen years, 
at two periods of seven years each ; his brother Samuel being 
proprietor during the interval. David Gale drove as far south 
as Cape May Court-House, and sold the line to David Wood- 
ruff, of Salem, in 1841. The following were afterwards proprie- 
tors : Isaac Murphy, Reuben Powell, John Lummis, Eli Lippin- 
cott, David Lee, Joseph Hancock, and Samuel Bishop. The 
latter, in 1853, ran as far north as Salem, to connect with 
steamer for Philadelphia. Joseph Clark, John T. Allen, and 
Enoch Pancoast successively owned the line till September, 
1856, at which time Orlando Gibbon became proprietor, and 
so continued till 1859, when it was discontinued. 

HOTELS. 

What was called the Old Hotel stood on the west side of 
Front Street, between David Lore's store and Francis Lee's 
house. It was kept by Benoni Dare as early as 1788. It was, 
no doubt, occupied as a hotel previous to that date, but we 
have been unable to find anything certain in reference to it. 
The hotel on the southeast corner of Broadway and Front 
Streets was built by Mary Beesley, daughter of Mrs. Bodly, 



* The date of appointment cannot be positively ascertained, but he rendered 
his first and only return from October 24, 1802, to November 18, 1802. At the 
latter date James Lee became postmaster, and rendered the returns for the balance 
of the fourth quarter of 1802. 



HOTELS. 



15 



duriiiLj the summer of 1801. Jacob llammit kept it from 
November that year until September 30, 1804, at which time 
he died. The building was destroyed by fire on the night of 
May 14, 1883, since which time no licensed house has been 
kept. Travellers are entertained both by T. M. Sharp, Esq., 
and Samuel Camp. 

The Eagle Glass-Works Hotel was first opened in February, 
1807, by Christian Stanger. What was called the " Rising 
Sun" was also kept in Glasstown. 

Francis Lee's house was kept as a hotel by Ingate Stanford 
in 1847. 

A hotel was opened in Bricksboro' in June, 1808, in the 
house now owned and occupied by Samuel Boggs. 

A house was opened at Spring Garden Ferry in June, 18 13, 
by John Gifford. 

The following is a list of the proprietors of the different 
hotels, with the dates of their occupancy : 

OLD HOTEL, TOWN PROPER. 

Benoni Dare, November, 1788, to November, 1793. 
Jonathan Townsand, November, 1793, to February, 1794.* 
Benoni Dare, November, 1794, to September, 1796. 
Lot Bowker, September, 1796, to November, 1797. 
William Lawrason, November, 1797, to November, 1798. 
Joshua Garritson, November, 1798, to 1800. 
John Welch, 1800. 

Jacob Hammit, November, 1801, to November, 1804. 
Eli Eldredge and John Stratton, November, 1804, to Novem- 
ber, 1805. 

John Stratton, November, 1805, to February, 1808. 
Samuel Bassett, February, 1808, to February, 18 10. 
John Dunham, February, 18 10, to June, 18 14. 
Joseph Turner, June, 18 14. 
John Brown, June, 18 16. 
John Kimsey, February, 18 17. 



* At this date Townsand applied to remove to another house, and Benoni 
Dare applied for license for the house where Townsand was. Neither was granted. 



1 6 'HISTORY OF FORI ELIZABETH. 

John Ogden, Jr., February, 1824. 

David W. Carrall, February, 1828. 

Malachi Knisell, February, 1833. 

Lewis Neipling, February, 1837. 

Isaac Mulford, February, 1839. 

Richard F. Barracliff, February, 1S42. 

Richard Westcott, June, 1843. 

Mark A. Carrall,* February, 1844. 

Ingate Stanford, February, 1848. 

William J. Royal, December, 1852. 

William and Albert Stanford, October, 1856. 

Robert Jerrell, October, 1857. 

Daniel T. Davis, May, i860. 

Joseph Reeves, May, 1863. 

Joseph Getsinger, May, 1866. 

Harrison L. Stanford, May, 1867. 

Leonard Krouse, May, 1868. 

John D. Paullin, May, 1872. 

Elmer Murphy, October, 1876. 

Joseph Reeves, May, 1879. License annulled in October. 

Henry D. Paullin,t May, 1880. 

EAGLE GLASS-WORKS HOTEL. 

Christian Stanger, February, 1807. 

John Eggman, February, 18 15. 

William Sands, June, 18 15. 
. George Mosbroolc, June, 1817. 

Ephraim Leake, February, 1820. 

Abijah Shull, February, 1826, 

Joseph Getsinger, February, 1827. 

Abigal Getsinger, June, 1830. Rejected. 

John Welser, June, 1831. 

No hotel was kept in Glasstown after 1831 until May, 
i860. Joseph Reeves went there May, 1S62. Joseph Get- 
singer took it and remained two years. Getsinger was there 

* Mark A. Carrall had no license in 1847. 

•j- Paullin remained unlil the house was^^burned. 



SCHOOLS. j- 

again in 1865, since which time no house has been kej)! tliere 
as a hotel. 

BRICKSBORO' HOTEL. 

Eli Eldredge, June, 1808. 

Joseph Turner, September, 1809, to February, 18 14. 

No hotel kept there until Joseph Turner, June, 1816. No 
hotel in 18 17. George Matthews, 18 18. Daniel Vanaman, 
February, 18 19. Since which time there has been no hotel 
there. 

SPRING GARDEN FERRY HOUSE. 

John Gifford, June, 18 13. 

Daniel Vanaman, September, 18 17. 

William Tonkins, September, 1818. 

No house kept in 1820-1823. 

Maurice Carter, February, 1823. 

No house was then kept until June, 1829, when license was 
obtained by Ezekiel Shaw. Since that time no house has been 
kept there. 

SCHOOLS. 

At what date the first school was established in this vicinity 
is unknown, but there was a school-house at Board Landing 
on the Manumuskin, near the Eagle Glass- Works, previous to 
March 3, 1783, it being mentioned in a deed of that date. 

That was probably the only institution of learning in the 
neighborhood previous to the laying out of the town. 

June 30, 1798, Mrs. Bodly deeded to the trustees of the 
Federal School a portion of the present school lot, four rods 
on Broadway and ten rods on Second Street. Additional land 
was afterwards obtained, increasing the lot to its present size, 
which is seven and three-fifths rods on Broadway and fourteen 
rods on Second Street. A one-story school-house was erected 
here, probably in the fall of 1798, as the annual town-meeting 
was held in this house in March of the next year. In 18 10, upon 
the formation of the Masonic lodge, they entered into an agree- 
ment with the trustees of the Federal School to build a second 
story to the building and an entry leading to it. The upper 
room to be used by the lodge, and the lower for school pur- 



1 8 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

poses; and in consideration of so doing, the trustees leased the 
upper room to them for a term of twenty years. The building 
fronted on Broadway, and stood until 1854, when the present 
school building was erected by the trustees of the public school, 
fronting on Second Street. The property was deeded by the 
trustees of the Federal School to the trustees of the public 
school August 25, 1853, the present school system having 
been established a few years previous to that time. 

A number of private schools have been kept from time to 
time. Among these was one in the house now owned and 
occupied by Jacob Sheppard, southwest corner of Second and 
South Streets. Another on the south side of Quaker Street, 
in the house owned and occupied by Elva Edwards, which has 
been rebuilt since it was used for school purposes. 

PORT ELIZABETH ACADEMY AND CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The Port Elizabeth Academy was erected by a company, com- 
posed of Thomas Lee, Joshua Brick, Dr. Benjamin Fisler, and 
others, previous to 18 10. This was the most noted school in 
South Jersey in its time. Persons came from a distance to be 
educated. The best teachers only were employed. The sciences, 
arts, and languages were taught, geological collections and ap- 
paratus were at hand, so that all the subjects could be successfully 
instilled into the minds of those who were after knowledge. As 
other institutions of learning were established, this one began to 
decline, and is now only remembered by the many who were 
there educated as one of the things of the past. The land and 
building were sold by Benjamin Fisler, Jonathan Dallas, John 
Elkinton, Isaac Townsend, and Joshua Brick, trustees, to John 
Marchiel (Marshall), February 25, 1843, for one hundred and 
eleven dollars. It was soon turned into a Catholic church, 
which was dedicated in 1846 by Father Gartland, of Philadel- 
phia, afterwards Bishop of Charleston, S. C. There was no 
regular priest stationed here, but Father Gartland came occa- 
sionally and held mass, etc. The organization continued but a 
short time. The building stood idle until about 1878; it was 
then taken down and removed to Dennis Creek, Cape May 
County, New Jersey. 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. jg 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

During the year 1773, Benjamin Abbott, having been con- 
verted the year before and joined the Methodists, entered upon 
his work as an evangelist. Abbott at that time resided in Pitts- 
grove township, Salem County. He was no doubt the most 
remarkable man among early Methodists. Stephens in speak- 
ing of him says, " Religious biography hardly records his fellow, 
except it be in the ' glorious dreamer' of Bedford jail. His 
early life had been riotously wicked, and, notwithstanding the 
Spirit of God had often alarmed his guilty soul of its danger, 
he continued in sin until the fortieth year of his age. When, 
after the most desperate resistance and a struggle with despair 
itself, he sought relief in the labors of the field, his troubled 
heart beat so loud that he could hear the strokes. Finally 
yielding, he threw down his scythe, and stood weeping for his 
sins. Such is the reclaiming, the sublime strength of conscience 
in the rudest soul, when once awakened." In 1778, Abbott 
attended a quarterly meeting in Maurice River, most probably 
at Port Elizabeth. About this time the society was organized. 

William Donnelly, who resided in Port Elizabeth, was a 
local preacher of the Methodist connection, and at the time of 
his death, August, 1784, the question of building a church was 
being agitated. Henry Reeves offered a lot on the north side 
of the dam, and Mrs. Bodly a portion of the present church lot. 

At the time of his funeral it was decided to bury him on his 
own land, very near the line of the lot offered by Mrs. Bodly. 
It was finally decided to accept Mrs. Bodly's offer. Accord- 
ingly, on October i, 1785, for the nominal sum of five shillings, 
she deeded a lot containing one acre and twenty-seven hun- 
dredths, " for the purpose of building a preaching-house on, and 
a burrying yard, and to build a school-house for the use of the 
neighborhood after the said meeting-house is built." The deed 
was given to " Phillip Cressey and Abraham Wolson, of Cape 
May, Henry Firth, of the county of Salem, James Sterling, of 
the county of Burlington, John Champion, Esq., of the county 
of Gloucester, and William P^urnis, Daniel Heisler, Eli Budd, 



20 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

and Martin Long, of Maurice River, in the county of Cumber- 
land, trustees chosen in behalf of the society of people called 
Methodists of the Episcopal Church." On March 28, 1809, 
Mrs. Bodly deeded another lot, containing- twenty-five square 
rods, bordering on the first lot on the south, to trustees 
William Silvers, Elisha Smith, Benjamin Fisler, Joseph Gray, 
John Young, Stephen Willis, James D. Park, Henry Gray, and 
John Budd, for twenty-one dollars. On December 25, 1840, 
William Donnelly, administrator of Silas Long, deceased, deeded 
to Benjamin Fisler, John Spence, William Wriggins, John Wish- 
art, William Heisler, John McKaige, and Jacob Coombs, trus- 
tees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for one dollar, a lot on 
the northeast side of the church lot, ten links wide and fifteen 
and a half perches deep. This was to bring the grave of the 
late William Donnelly within the graveyard. There is nothing 
to mark the spot, and no one knows just where he is buried. 
The first church erected on the ground, which was the first 
church in the county for the exclusive use of the Methodists, 
was about half the size of the present one, a frame building, 
and was probably built some time during the year 1786. The 
present brick edifice was built in 1827. Dr. Benjamin Fisler 
furnished the plan and superintended its erection. The dedica- 
tion took place the latter part of 1830, and the dedicatory ser- 
mon was preached by Rev. Robert Geary, of Bridgeton, from 
Ezra V. 9, " Who commanded you to build this house, and to 
make up these walls ?" When this church was completed, it 
was considered the most complete and beautiful church within 
the State south of Trenton. 

This church has had connected with it several very accept- 
able local preachers, the most prominent of whom was Dr. 
Benjamin Fisler, who was born in 1769, and converted at 
Fislerville, now Clayton, Gloucester County. He was licensed 
as a local preacher in 1792, and immediately commenced 
travelling, first in Nova Scotia, and in 1797 on the Salem circuit. 
In 1799 he located in Port Elizabeth, practised medicine and 
preached in a very acceptable manner until July 4, 1854, at 
which time he died. His last sermon was preached about one 
week previous to that ; his text being from Gen. xxvii. 2 : "I 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 2 1 

am old, I know not the day of my death." Fithian Stratton, 
who lived at Schooner Landing, on the Menantico, was also 
an energetic local preacher for a number of years. He died 
in 1810. 

This church has always been served with ministers in con- 
nection with other churches. In 1781 it belonged to the West 
Jersey circuit, and the ministers were as follows : 

ly'Si. — Caleb Pedicord, Joseph Cromwell. In November they 
were changed, and James O. Cromwell and Joseph Everett were 
sent in their stead. 

1782. — Joshua Dudley, Richard Ivy. 



1780 
1784 
1785 
1786 
1787 



. — Woolman Hickson, John Magary. 

-Samuel Rowe, William Partridge, John Fidler. 

. — Thomas Ware, Robert Sparks, William Phoebus. 

. — Jacob Brush, John Simmons, Jacob Lurton. 

. — Robert Cann, John McClaskey, John Milburn. 
Salem circuit was formed in 1788, and Port Elizabeth was 
included in it, 

1788. — Joseph Cromwell, Nathaniel B. Mills, John Cooper. 
1789. — Simon Pyle, Jethro Johnson, Sylvester Hutchinson. 
1790. — Joseph Cromwell, William Dougherty. 
1 79 1. — James Bell, John Clark. 
1792. — Benjamin Abbott, David Bartine. 
1793. — Willson Lee, Hugh Work. 
1794. — Richard Swain, Anthony Turck. 
1795. — Moses Crane, Jacob Egbert. 
1796. — Robert McCoy, Peter Vannest. 
1797. — William McLenahan, Benjamin Fisler. 
1798. — Jacob Egbert, Jesse Justice. 
1799. — Richard Swain, Wesley Budd. 
1800. — Richard Swain, Richard Lyon. 
1 80 1. — Thomas Everard, Asa Swain. 

Salem circuit was divided into Salem and Cape May circuits 
in 1802, Port Elizabeth remaining in Salem, and Jesse Justice 
and David Dunham were the preachers. 
1803. — Richard Swain, Asa Smith. 
Quarterly meeting at Port Elizabeth, March 5. 
1804. — John Walker, John Durbin. 



22 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

In 1805, Salem and Cape May circuits were again united, 
and John Walker and Nathan Swain were appointed preachers. 
Quarterly meeting was held at Port Elizabeth this year. 

1806.— William Mills, Caleb Kendall. 

Cumberland circuit was formed in 1807, which included all 
the southern and eastern portions of Cumberland County. The 
preachers appointed were David Bartine and Joseph Stephens. 

1808. — William Smith, Charles Reed. 

1809. — Daniel Ireland, John Fox. 

1 8 10. — Samuel Budd, Daniel Ireland. 

181 1. — Thomas Dunn, Joseph Bennett. 

1 8 12. — William Smith, Joseph Bennett. 

18 1 3. — Nathan Swain, Daniel Fidler. 

1 8 14. — Daniel Fidler, Daniel Ireland. 

1 81 5. — Solomon Sharp, Nathan Swain. 

1 8 16. — Solomon Sharp, Thomas Davis. 

18 17. — Thomas Neal, Thomas Davis. 

18 1 8. — Thomas Neal, John Creamer. 

1 8 19. — Edward Stout, John Creamer. 

1820. — Edward Stout, Daniel Fidler. 

1 82 1. — John Finley, John Collins. 

1822. — John Finley, James McLaurin. 

1823. — Edward Page, Eliphalet Reed. 

1824. — Edward Page, Eliphalet Reed. 

1825. — William Williams, William Lummis. 

1826. — William Williams, William Lummis. 

1827. — John Woolson, Robert Gerry, and Sedgewick Rus- 
ling. 

1828. — John Woolson, Sedgewick Rusling, and Joseph Ash- 
brook. 

1829-30. — Watters Burroughs, James Ayars. 

1 83 1. — William Folk, William Stevens. 



1832 
1833 
1834 
1835 
1836 



— William Folk, Nathaniel Chew. 
— John Henry, Joseph Ashbrook. 
— Edward Stout, George Raybold. 
— Nathaniel Chew, George Raybold. 
—William Williams, J. W. McDougall. 



1837-38. — J. J. Sleeper, Thomas G. Steward. 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



23 



1839-40. — J. F. Crouch, Thomas G. Steward. 

1841-42. — J. Loudenslager, George Jennings. Mr. Jennings's 
health failed during 1842, and Dr. Perdcw was the supply. 

1843. — Abraham Gearhart, Levi Herr. 

1844. — D. Duffield, William Rogers. Mr. Rogers's health 
failed, and Samuel Parker was the supply. 

1845.— D. Duffield, Joseph Gaskill. 

1846. — Thomas Christopher, Joseph Gaskill. 

1847.— N. Edwards, S. B. Beegle. Mr. Beeglc left the 
circuit, and S. Parker was the supply. 

1848. — N. Edwards, Joseph White. 

1849-50. — Joseph Atwood, J. T. Canfield. 

Port Elizabeth circuit was formed in 185 i, and Cumberland 
circuit ceased to exist by that name. 

185 I. —A. K. Street, W. A. Brooks. 

1S52. — William A. Brooks, William Walton. 

1853. — Edwin Waters, J. B. Heward. 

1854. — t^dwin Waters, Benjamin Parvin. 

1855. — Firman Robbins, William H. McCormick. 

1856. — Firman Robbins, M. H. Shimp. 

1857. — William Walton, Napoleon B. Todd. 

1858.— William Walton, Garner H. Tullis. 

1859. — John S. Beegle, Garner H. Tullis. 

i860. — John S. Beegle, Willis Reeves. 

1861. — James Vansant, John H. Hutchinson. 

1862. — James Vansant, Jos. L. Roe. 

1863. — David McCurdy, Ananias Lawrence. 

1864. — David McCurdy, George L. Dobbins. 

1865. — Henry G. Williams, George B. Wight. 

1866.— Henry G. Williams, Chas. B. Moffatt. 

1867-68. — William C. Stockton, Edwin J. Lippincott. 

1869, — Jos. B. Turpin, Joseph Wilson. 

1870. — Jos. B. Turpin, John W. Morris. 

1 87 1. — Jos. B. Turpin, Joseph O. Downs. 

Up to 1872, Port Elizabeth, Dorchester, Leesburg, Heisler- 
ville. West Creek, and Cumberland Furnace formed the circuit. 

1872. — Calvin C. Eastlack. 

This year the circuit was divided into two parts, the lower 



24 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



one called West Creek circuit. Port Elizabeth, Dorchester, 
and Leesburg formed Port Elizabeth circuit after 1872. 
1873-74. — Calvin C. Eastlack. 



1875-76 
1877-78 
1879-81 
1882-84 



— James Vansant. 
— Firman Robbins. 
— Godfrey E. Hancock. 
— Charles W. Livezly. 



1885. — Edwin J. Lippincott. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE. 

The first parsonage owned by the Methodist Episcopal soci- 
ety was situated on the north side of Broadway, where Daniel 
Harris, Esq., now lives. It was purchased June 12, 181 1, of 
Dr. Benjamin Fisler. On September 5, 18 12, the trustees sold 
it to Thomas Lee. 

The present parsonage, situated on the southwest corner of 
Second and Quaker Streets, was purchased July 25, 1815, of 
John Eggman for six hundred dollars. It is quite a large, 
commodious house, and well adapted to the purpose for which 
it is used. 

FRIENDS' MEETING-HOUSE. 

The Friends' Meeting-House, situated on the north side of 
the dam, east of the road, was built previous to August 13, 
1799, 't being mentioned in a deed of that date. It was proba- 
bly built by Stephen Murphy, as he was a carpenter and a 
member of the society at that time. The deed for the land on 
which the church stands was given by Henry Reeves and wife, 
October 16, 1804, to Nathaniel Buzby, James Langstaff, Eli 
Stratton, and Stephen Murphy, trustees ; the price paid being 
thirty-seven dollars and thirty-three and one-half cents. Cape 
May Preparative Meeting, belonging to Egg Harbor Monthly 
and Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting, and Maurice River Pre- 
parative, belonging to Greenwich Monthly and Salem Quarterly 
Meeting, believing it to be right for them to join and form a 
monthly meeting, laid their desires before their respective 
monthly meetings, and the monthly to the quarterly meetings. 



PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. -y- 

Their request was granted, and the meeting called ^laurice 
River Monthly, belonging to Salem Quarterly Meeting, was 
established. The meetings were held alternately at Port Eliza- 
beth and Cape May, commencing with Port Elizabeth, Septem- 
ber 28, 1804, and so continued until May 15, 1817, at which 
time Salem Quarterly Meeting granted that in the future the 
monthly meeting should be held altogether at Port PLlizabeth. 
This continued until December 2, 185^, when, with the consent 
of the quarterly meeting, Maurice River Meeting was laid 
down, and the members, forty-eight in number, were attached to 
the Greenwich Monthly Meeting. Since that time there have 
been several appointed meetings held by travelling Friends and 
others, the last being held on October 23, 1881, and conducted 
by Samuel Parrish, of Woodbury. There being no Friends in 
this place, the church was advertised and sold on November 
21, 1884, to Captain Thomas M. Reeves for twenty-five dollars. 
The church is still standing, but will no doubt be removed in a 
short time. The burying-ground has lately been cleared, re- 
paired, etc., and is now in a good condition. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Although a majority of the inhabitants of Maurice River 
township at an early date belonged to the societies of Method- 
ists and Friends, still there were some who held to the Presby- 
terian doctrine. They were scattered all over the township. 
The Revs. Ethan Osborne and Jonathan Freeman were ap- 
pointed by the Presbytery of Philadelphia to organize a 
church in Maurice River. They accordingly met at the house 
of James Park, in Port Elizabeth, August 12, 1820, and organ- 
ized a church with the following twenty constituent members : 
Nathaniel Foster, Lydia Foster, Jeremiah Stratton, Jerviah 
Stratton, Preston P'oster, Mary Van Hook, Ruth Stratton, 
Hannah Stratton, Hannah Glaspcy, Hannah Jordan, Hannah 
Newcomb, George Bush, Betsey Craig, Robert McGriffin, 
Mary McGriffin, Virgil M. Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Samuel T. 
Barry, and Ruth Barry. 

Jeremiah Stratton, Nathaniel P^oster, and Samuel ]3arry were 
chosen elders at this time. No church was ever erected in Port 



26 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

I^lizabeth, but meetings were most probably held in private 
houses, conducted by the Revs. Osborne, Freeman, and others. 
As many of the more influential members resided in Mill- 
ville, the church was soon called " Millville Presbyterian 
Church," which was erroneous. The organization was main- 
tained in Port Elizabeth until some time during the year 1823, 
when it was removed to Millville. 



BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This society, according to the minutes of the Baptist Associa- 
tion, was organized in 18 10. On the 7th of November, 1807, 
James Lee and Deborah, his wife, deeded to Elemuel Edwards, 
William Price, James Prickett, Elias Wilson, John Tice, and 
Isaac Wynn one and one-fourth acres of ground bounded on 
the south by the present African Methodist Episcopal Church 
lot, " one acre to be used for burying strangers without cost," 
which was given. For the one-fourth of an acre they paid 
thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents. 

On the 4th of May, 181 1, Joshua Brick deeded to Elemuel 
Edwards, Elias Wilson, John Tice, James Prickett, Isaac Wynn, 
and William Price, trustees of the Baptist society, a lot on the 

" southwest corner of Church and R Streets, being on the 

street leading from the glass-works to the ' Turkeyhoe' road." 

On the first of these lots a church was erected, which was 
not completed, although it was used for some time in which to 
worship. While the troops were quartered here during the war 
of 1812, to prevent the British from ascending Maurice River, 
.they used the church for a barracks. 

In 1832 the society stated in its letter to the Association, " We 
have nothing especial to report relative to this little church 
except that it is very weak, and therefore claims an interest 
in the prayers ofHhose who pray that the walls of Jerusalem 
which are prostrate may be raised again." They had eleven 
members at that time, and, as their letter states, were weak but 
hoped for better days. They made no more reports until 1837, 
when they had twelve members, and talked of removing to 
Millville. John P. Walker served them as pastor in 1 841, 



SOCIETIES. 2 7 

although he did not live in Port Eh'zabctli. In 1842 they re- 
ported, "At peace with all the world but have no pastor." In 
their last letter to the Association (1843) they stated, "This 
church, being small and weak, united its thirteen members with 
others, December 29, 1842, in forming the Millville Church." 
The building was left to go down, and was used on several oc- 
casions as a place of shelter for sheep that used to graze over 
the old fields. Several persons were buried in the yard, many 
of whom have been removed. The only stone left standing at 
the present time is one to mark the grave of Elemuel Edwards, 
who died June 10, 181 1, aged seventy-five years, seven months, 
ten days. 

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This society was formed in 1836. They bought a one-story 
frame building, which stood on the north side of Stable Street, 
between Front and Second, in 1838, and moved it to the south 
side of Church Street, in the neighborhood of the present build- 
ing, and fitted it up for a church, which they used as such until 
the erection of the present building. 

May 30, 1 86 1, Thomas Lee and wife, Rhoda, conveyed to 
Edward Wright imd Thomas Miller, trustees of " Mount Zion 
African Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth," a lot 
of land joining the old Baptist Churcii lot on the southeast. 
On this lot the house now occupied by them as a church was 
soon after erected. 

SOCIETIES. 

FRIENDSHIP LODGE, NO. 22, F. A. M. 

Friendship Lodge, No. 22, of Free and Accepted Masons was 
established during the summer of 1810. The first officers in 
order of their rank were John Dunham, Josiah Ray, William 
Darmon, John Young, Ephraim Leake, and Jacob Stanger. 
They occupied the upper room of the old Federal School under 
the agreement before mentioned. The lodge continued to meet 
regularly until 1829, since which time there are no records of 
the lodge known to exist. The Masonic excitement was in the 



28 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

United States at that time, and it no doubt went out of exist- 
ence in consequence of it, as did many others. In 1842 it was 
stricken from the roll of lodees. 



DORCAS SOCIETY. 

A society called the Dorcas Society was organized April 
13, 1819, with the following preamble: "Forasmuch as our 
blessed Lord in His Holy Word teaches us to feed the hungry, 
clothe the naked, relieve the distressed, and visit the fatherless 
and widow in their affliction ; and that, by so doing, we mani- 
fest our love and regard for Himself: Therefore, in obedience 
to His command, we, the subscribers, do agree to form our- 
selves into a society, which shall be called the ' Dorcas Society 
of Port Elizabeth ;' the object of which shall be to make up 
articles of clothing for the naked and destitute outcasts of so- 
ciety, and to afford such other charitable offices as may be in 
our power." Signed Ellen Lee, Mary Brick. Joshua Brick 
donated five dollars ; Stephen Willis, three dollars ; and two 
others, one dollar each. Little is known of its subsequent 
history, but we do not doubt that many a helping hand was 
extended to the poor and needy by the good women in this 
society. 

LITERARY SOCIETY. 

A society known as the Port Elizabeth Literary Society was 
organized December 2, 1880, with twenty-eight charter mem- 
bers and with the preamble as follows : " Growth and develop- 
ment of mind, together with readiness and fluency of speech, 
being the result of investigation and free discussion of religious, 
political, educational, and other topics, the undersigned agree 
to form a society, etc." The society met in the school-house 
weekly, and a lively interest was manifested by many of the 
young people for a time. It finally disbanded October 9, 1883, 
after having done much to elevate the intellectual and moral 
standing of its members. 



EAGLE GLASS-WORKS. 29 



EAGLE GLASS-WORKS. 



The ground on which the Eagle Glass-Works stand was 
owned by Abram Jones previous to April 15, 1782. At that 
time he deeded it to his son, Thomas Jones. On October 26, 
1785, it was purchased by Nathan Hand, who owned it until 
January 29, 1805, when he sold one hundred and seventy-seven 
acres to James Lee, for two thousand dollars. The factories 
were built by James Lee previous to May 23, 1799. He prob- 
ably rented the ground previous to buying it. The factories 
were run by Lee until July 25, 18 10, when he sold three-fourths 
to James Josiah, Samuel Parrish, and Joseph L. Lewis & Co., 
for ten thousand dollars. On the 1st of September, that year, a 
partnership was established, to last seven years, under the firm- 
name of J. Josiah, Parrish & Lee, with capital stock amounting 
to thirty thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars and 
thirty-three cents, with James Lee continuing as manager. 
During the seven years the partnership changed somewhat. 
James Lee sold his one-fourth interest on August 22, 1815, to 
Joseph Lewis and Jacob C. Wyckoff for seven thousand 
dollars. Joshua Brick was in the firm during the time, 
owning one-eighth. At the end of the seven years the firm- 
name was J. Josiah, Harrison & Co., and the members thereof, 
in consideration of twenty dollars, signed their rights to Jacob 
C. Wyckoff, who was to settle the business. On August 31, 
1 8 18, the said Wyckoff conveyed to Samuel P. Wetherell, of 
Philadelphia, for three thousand and fifty dollars, all the land, 
buildings, etc., known as the Eagle Glass-Works, containing 
five acres, two roods, and twenty-eight perches. Mr. Wetherell 
rented the factories to a company of Germans by the name of 
Getsinger, until January 28, 1831, when they purchased them 
of him for four thousand dollars. They continued to run them 
until February 6, 1846, when they deeded thirty-six tracts of 
land, of which number one was the Eagle Glass-Works, to 
George B. Cooper and Charles Townsend, for twelve hundred 
and fifty dollars. Cooper retired from the firm August 31, 1850, 
after which Charles Townsend had several partners, among them 



30 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

John R. Andrews and Francis Allen, all of which firms failed. 
The factories were mortgaged May 26, 1852, for three thousand 
dollars, Dr. E. L. B. Wales holding the mortgage. This he 
transferred to Samuel Townsend, who foreclosed, and on April 
30, 1862, they were sold by the sheriff for three thousand three 
hundred dollars, Samuel Townsend being the purchaser. He 
rented them for a time to Mitchell & Irwin, after which they 
stood idle until the fall of 1881, when they started with John 
Focer as manager, and continued to run under various firms 
until during the winter of 1883-84, since which time they have 
been idle. 

UNION GLASS-WORKS. 

These works stood on the north side of the Manumuskin, 
just west of the road from Port Elizabeth to Millville. They 
were erected previous to 18 11, by Jacob Stanger, Frederick 
Stanger, and William Shough, on land leased of Henry Reeves. 
On the 5th of April, 181 1, Reeves sold to Jacob Stanger, Fred- 
erick Stanger, and William Shough the land on which the works 
stood for three hundred and twenty dollars, selling to each one 
an undivided third. On June 6, the same year, they sold to 
Randall Marshall an undivided fourth for one thousand dol- 
lars. The factories were probably run by the said parties 
until some time during 1814. On November 5, 1814, Joshua 
Brick, Isaac Townsend, and Stephen Willis, commissioners 
appointed by the court, divided the property among the 
four owners. The buildings were afterwards partially destroyed 
by fire, and finally fell down from age on a still, clear day. 
A store was established at the head of the dam, on the east 
side of the road, by Randall Marshall, and probably used 
in connection with the Union Glass- Works. It has long since 
been taken down, and nothing is left to mark the spot but a low 
place in the ground. 

BUSINESS ENTERPRISES. 

A tannery was established on the place now occupied by 
John Coombs by Randall Marshall, between August 13, 1799, 
and October 16, 1804. This was conducted by Marshall until 



/.' I SINESS ENTERTR 7SES. 



31 



September 9, 1815, wlien it passed into the hands of Job HofT, 
who continued the tannery business for a number of years, but 
finally made a failure, and the property was sold by the sheriff 
to Frederick Faring June 22, 1821. Faring made an assign- 
ment, and his assignees sold it to the Bank of Northern Liber- 
ties, Philadelphia. It probably ceased to be run as a tannery 
about this time. 

The old Silvers tannery, on the north side of Broadway, was 
established by William Silvers between 1802 and 1809, who 
conducted it until April 23, 1818, when it passed into the hands 
of Samuel Silvers. After the death of Samuel Silvers, May 
16, 1829, his property was divided into two lots front and two 
back; one of the latter being the tannery. The business was 
probably discontinued soon after the death of Samuel Silvers. 
Edward Townsand used the building in which to manufacture 
castor oil for a long time. He also had a drug-store on one of 
the front lots as late as 1838 or thereabouts. 

Isaac Townsend had a large store in the yard north of 
Francis Lee's house at an early date, which was taken down and 
removed to Newport, New Jersey, about 1840. 

Eli Stratton had a large storehouse, shop, etc., on the south 
side of Quaker Street previous to 1802. 

The -Store now occupied by David Lore was built on the 
land owned by the heirs of Mrs. Bodly by Joshua Brick, who 
kept it for a long time, doing a large business. It was after- 
wards kept by Brick & Lane, then by Lane. The Lores pur- 
chased it April 10, 1847, since which time it has been owned by 
them. 

Isaiah Silvers started a store in Quaker Street, next to the 
Methodist Episcopal parsonage, in 1840. He sold to Wharton 
Ogden in i860, who continued the business there until he built 
his present store in 1868, on the northwest corner of Second 
and Quaker Streets. 

On what is now the " Hall corner," being the northwest 
corner of Broadway and Second Streets, Mahlon Foster had 
a blacksmith-shop previous to 1802, and for a number of years 
after. He sold the property to Benjamin Fisler, May 12, 18 10, 
who built and kept a store there. He was followed by Joseph 



32 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



Brown, who was succeeded by Isaac Townsend. It was used 
by Cooper & Townsend in connection with the glass-works. 
Also by Francis Lee as a storehouse. In the fall of 1883 it 
was turned into the present hall, being first used in holding 
the fall election. 

The southwest corner of Second Street and Broadway, on 
which Francis Lee's store stands, was sold by Mrs. Bodly to 
Enoch Rogers, October 27, 1796. It passed into the hands of 
Stephen Willis, who built and established the store. The Lees 
have owned it and kept store there since May 25, 18 19. J. P. 
Bickley built and kept store where Dr. J. H. Willets's office now 
stands until the 1st of December, 1857, at which time it was 
destroyed by fire. 

Perhaps the greatest business enterprise ever undertaken in 
Port Elizabeth was the organization of a company known as 
" The Port Elizabeth Manufacturing Company." They secured 
a charter from the Legislature March 13, 1837. The first sec- 
tion states that " Isaac Townsend, Thomas Lee, Joshua Brick, 
Benjamin F. Reeves, John Getsinger, and Owen Jones, and their 
associates and successors, . . . shall be incorporated for the pur- 
pose of manufacturing cotton, wool, silk, and iron, and also for 
the purpose of dyeing, printing, and bleaching cotton fabrics." 
Their capital stock was limited to two hundred and fifty thou- 
sand dollars. There is no record to show that there was any- 
thing done in the matter except to receive the charter. 

On account of the channels of trade changing and the busi- 
ness on which Port Elizabeth formerly depended moving to 
other places, it has lost some of its old-time importance ; but 
even at the present time its prospects for the future are not 
discouraging. Its present population is five hundred and forty- 
nine. 

The present oldest inhabitant is Mrs. McCullough, aged 
eighty-eight years ; the youngest, William Murphy, Jr., aged 
two months. 

NEGRO EXODUS. 

In 1824 there was quite an exodus of negroes to Hayti. 
Captain Samuel Craig, who ran a packet regularly from Port 



PUBLIC MEN. 



33 



Elizabeth to Philadelphia, gathered up two vessel-loads of 
negroes, brought them to Port Elizabeth, where they were re- 
shipped in the schooner " Olive Branch," Captain John Mat- 
thews, and taken to Hayti. Those who had the matter in 
charge made it appear to the negroes that they were to be 
taken to a place where everything grew without cultivation, 
and all they would have to do would be to gather and eat. 
Several persons went from here, among them being Phcbe 
Bond, Memory Balard, Ned Wright, George Cropper, and John 
Cornish. A colored girl who worked for John Ogden at the 
hotel, being desirous of going, but forbidden to do so by Ogden, 
dressed in men's clothes and secreted herself on the vessel, 
thus getting away. After getting there and finding it required 
labor to live, as at all other parts of the world, they became dis- 
satisfied, and Ned Wright and John Cornish came back happier 
than when they went away. Cornish afterwards shot and killed 
James Corse, and was sentenced to prison for life, but was finally 
released on account of consumption of the lungs, and died in 
Bridgeton. 

PUBLIC MEN. 

The first Continental Congress which convened at Philadel- 
phia, September 5, 1774, recommended that nothing be used that 
came from Great Britain or any of its dependencies after the 
first of the next March. A public meeting was held in Bridge- 
ton, December 22, and a committee of thirty-five persons was 
appointed to see that the recommendation was carried out in 
this county. Joshua Brick, Sr., and Jonathan Lore were ap- 
pointed from Maurice River, showing that the spirit of liberty 
and patriotism was ripe here at an early period. 

Thomas Lee was the member of Congress from this district 
from 1833 to 1837, during Andrew Jackson's administration, 
with which Mr. Lee was in full sympathy. 

Benjamin F. Lee, son of Thomas, has been clerk of the 
Supreme Court of New Jersey since 1872. 

Joshua Brick was one of the judges of the Court of P>rors 
and Appeals from February 5, 1845, to June, 1846. He was 

3 



34 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



also a member of the convention that framed the new State 
Constitution in 1844. 

We give below a list of the members of the State Legisla- 
ture Port Elizabeth has furnished : 

Council. — Israel Stratton, 1833 ; Joshua Brick, 1835-36 ; Israel 
Stratton, 1837. Senate. — J. Howard Willets, 1874-77. As- 
sembly. — Joshua Brick, 178 1 ; James Lee, 1805 ; Stephen Willis, 
1812; Thomas Lee, 18 14; Israel Stratton, 1823-25 ; J. Howard 
Willets, 1871-72; Wilson Banks, 1885. 

The following is a list of the judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas Port Elizabeth has furnished since the Revolution: 

Joshua Brick, 1777-82-87, 1822-27-32-37-41-42; James 
Lee, 1801-06-1 1-16 ; John Elkinton, 1808 ; Thomas Lee, 1813 ; 
Stephen Willis, 1814; Israel Stratton, 1823-24-29-34-43-52-57; 
Joseph Butcher, 1836; Joseph E. Oliver, 1860-62; Daniel 
Harris, 1866-67-72. 

Port Elizabeth has furnished lawyers in the persons of 

John Jeffers, admitted May, 1821. 

John Reeve, " September, 1828. 

Joseph C. Oliver, " November, 1877. 

SKETCH OF MRS. BODLY'S LIFE. 

Elizabeth Bodly, daughter of John Ray, was born in Piles- 
grove township, Salem County, in 1737. She married Cor- 
nelius Clark, a native of Burlington. In 1757 they came to 
Maurice River and purchased a large tract of land near the 
mouth of Manumuskin Creek, extending down the river a con- 
siderable distance. They probably built and located in what 
is now Port Elizabeth. The house, being a log one, stood on 
the wharf a little above Francis Lee's present residence. They 
had four children, — Joel, John, Susan, and Elizabeth Clark. 
Cornelius Clark died a young man, and his widow was left with 
the four young children to care for and a large landed estate to 
look after and improve, also large meadows and lowlands situ- 
ated on Maurice River to reclaim from the tide. When done, 
they proved to be some of the best meadow-land in South 
Jersey. Elizabeth's second husband was John Bodly. They 
had two children, — Sarah and Mary Bodly. 



SKETCH OF MRS. BODLY'S LIFE. 



35 



The elder died a minor. John Bodly died soon after his 
second child was born. Joel Clark, the eldest son of Cornelius 
and Elizabeth Clark, married Ann Dallas, sister of Jonathan 
Dallas. He died a year afterward, leaving no children. John, 
the second son, enlisted in the army during Washington's ad- 
ministration to help put down the Whiskey Rebellion in West- 
ern Pennsylvania, and died of camp fever. Susan Clark, the 
eldest daughter, was married to Jonathan Dallas, and died in a 
short time, leaving no children. Mr. Dallas soon after married 
Elizabeth Clark, sister of his first wife. They had five children, 
— Susan, Elizabeth, Ann, Mary, and Holmes Dallas. Mary 
Bodly's first husband was Maurice Beesley. They had one 
son, whom they named Theophilus Elmer Beesley, after an 
intimate friend of the child's father. Maurice Beesley died 
when his son was quite young. The son afterwards became an 
eminent physician, and practised with success in the town of 
Salem and surrounding country for a number of years. • 

Elizabeth Bodly was a woman above the medium size, black 
eyes, regular features, and was considered handsome even in 
old age. She possessed an expanded mind and great benevo- 
lence of character. The poor in the neighborhood always 
found in her a friend indeed. It is said there were very few 
days in the autumn and winter season when the poor were not 
found at her door receiving supplies of food and clothing. She 
was very fond of having her grandchildren around her. 

It frequently occurred, when the poor came to ask for assist- 
ance, they would tell her some marvellous tales about witches, 
etc., to all of which she would listen without endeavoring to 
convince them to the contrary, well knowing that early impres- 
sions cannot be eradicated in old age. When they were gone, 
she would tell the children they must not believe such things, 
as there was no truth in them. 

Elizabeth Bodly died November 25, 1815, aged seventy-eight 
years, and was buried in the Friends' burying-ground. Port 
Elizabeth. 

Thus closed a long, eventful, and useful life. 



36 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



CIVIL WAR. 

Port Elizabeth furnished its full quota to the Union ranks 
during the Rebellion, perhaps more men in proportion to her 
population than any other town of like size in South Jersey. 
The following is as correct a list as we are able to give from 
our available sources of information : 

SECOND REGIMENT. 
' Company B. 
William Gifford (corporal), Andrew Gressman, John E. Williams. 

FOURTH REGIMENT. 
Company H. 
Benjamin F. Mitchell, corporal, vvomided at Gaines' Farm, Va., June 27, 1862; 
died from wounds, in hands of enemy, July 20, 1862. 

FIFTH REGIMENT. 
John Horton, musician, died on way home. May, 1862. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Company A. 
Abraham R. Sheppard. 

Company B. 

John A. Barnett, died of dysentery at Arlington Heights, Va., June 26, 1865. 

Company D. 
William Sheppard, died at Beverly, N. J. ; Hosea Madden. Principal engagements, 
Hatcher's Run, Lee's Surrender. 

TENTH REGIMENT. 

Company A. 
George Weiser. 

Compaiiy B. 
Azel C. Henderson, died of fever at Washington, December 25, 1862; Richard B, 
Simpkins, George Stadler, Francis L. Vanaman (corporal), died of fever at 
Port Elizabeth, October 28, 1863. 

Company K. 
Horace P. Bickley (sergeant), Richard D. Mitchell, promoted second lieutenant 
Company I ; William M. Mitchell, John G. Mitchell, Samuel Mayhew, 
wounded in jaw at Spottsylvania; Clement Biggs, John H. Smith, shot through 
lungs at Opequan, Va., September 19, 1864, died from wound September 29, 
1864; Edmund T. Smith, missing in action at Winchester, August 17, 1864; 
Jesse Smith. Principal actions. Wilderness, Va., Spottsylvania, Va., Cold 
Harbor, Va., Winchester, Va. 



CIVIL WAR. 37 

TWELFTH REGIMENT. 
Colonel J. Howard Willets, transferred from Seventh Reyiment, Company H ; 
wounded at Chancellorsville, Va., and WHliamsburg, Va, 

FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 
Battery C. 
Wesley Downs, colored, was in several engagements, and came home to die. 
TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 
Company B, 
B. Reed IJrown (first lieutenant),"Francis Hankins (sergeant), William H. Wills 
(sergeant), Thomas S. Simmons (sergea'nt), John W. Simmons (corporal), 
George Madden (corporal), Henry H. Mayhew (corporal), Henry Adler, died 
at Washington, from wounds received at Fredericksburg, Va. ; Frederick 
Blindt, Joseph Camp, Thomas H. Gifford, John Gilland, William F. Hogbin, 
John M. Henderson, John Matticks, Ezekiel Simmons, killed at Fredericks- 
burg, December 13, 1862; Lewis S. Sockwell, Job Sheppard, Benjamin F. 
Vanaman, died of dysentery, at Washington, D. C, October 8, 1862; William 
Weiser, Richard Watson Vansant (corporal), John Sheppard, wounded in first 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., was captured at Bridgewater, Va., nearly starved 
at Andersonville, from which he died at Annapolis, Md., March 21, 1865. 
Company F. 
James Craig. Principal actions of regiment, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Va. 

THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT, 

Company D. 

Jesse H. Reeves, in action second battle of Nashville; James W. Hand, died of 

dysentery at Tunnel's Hill, Ga., January 29, 1865. 

Company E. 

Samuel Madden, died of fever at Chattanooga, Tenn., February 8, 1865. 

THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Company F. 
Joseph T. Brown, sergeant. 

THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 
Company C. 
John N. Loper (corporal), Joseph T. Biggs, Alphonsa A. Jones, Henry V. Mad- 
den, Abram Sawyer, Sr., Seeley F. Sheppard. 

Joel Madden was in the Third Cavalry, Company G. Seeley Reeves was in a 

Massachusetts regiment, Fifteenth or Twentieth. Abraham Sawyer, Jr., and 

his brother Lewis enlisted in another Slate. Frank Sawyer was in the Fifteenth 

Regimeilt of Maine, Company K. 

A mound was raised in the Methodist Episcopal Church-yard soon after the war 

in memory of nine soldiers who were never brought home. They were Samuel 

Madden, Benjamin F. Mitchell, Ezekiel Simmons, John A. Barnelt, Henry Adler, 

James W. Hand, Clement Biggs, John H. Smith, and Edmund T. Smith. 



28 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



NATURAL AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES. 

Geologists tell us that the southern part of New Jersey was 
the last piece of ocean-flooring raised above the tide-level of the 
Atlantic ; and I have wondered why this assumed fact is not 
mentioned as explanatory of the assertion that several sections 
of South Jersey are the last to receive industrial development. 
According to the last report of the '^ State Agricultural Experi- 
ment Station," there are one thousand square miles of uncleared 
land south of a line drawn from the city of Burlington to Sandy 
Hook. From an agricultural point of view, these southern soils 
have wonderful capabilities, as is attested by the success of 
Vineland, Hammonton, Egg Harbor City, and other smaller 
settlements, none of which are over twenty-five years of age. 
The report concludes : " These are destined to become our most 
desirable and productive lands." While Port Elizabeth should 
not be claimed the Arcadia of South Jersey, topographical re- 
search reveals the fact that the economical features of its natural 
resources deserve careful attention. The alluvial soil surround- 
ing the town, though generally light, is very productive when 
carefully fertilized and cultivated. The outlying farms are 
chiefly devoted to the raising of vegetables and small fruits for 
the Millville and Philadelphia markets. Wheat, oats, Indian 
corn, hay, white and sweet potatoes, are the staple productions, 
and melons are raised in abundance. Fruits are grown with 
great success, and this branch of husbandry should be more 
fully developed; also the raising of sorghum may be done with 
profit. Apples, peaches, pears, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, 
gooseberries, and currants grow remarkably well, and are 
sweeter and richer in flavor than the same varieties grown far- 
ther north. Indeed, all products are superior in flavor and 
quality to like products grown in North Jersey, and command 
higher prices in the Philadelphia and New York markets. This 
largely arises from the medium annual temperature of 53.50°, 
and the influence of the Gulf Stream, giving us a truly tem- 
perate climate. In the commons north of the town, known as 
the " old sand-fields," the wild blackberry grows abundantly. 



NATURAL AND AVAILABLE KESOUI^CES. 



39 



Hundreds of bushels are annually picked for market and home 
consumption. They are usually small, but are noted for their 
sweetness and excellent flavor, — in these two points far sur- 
passing cultivated varieties. Huckleberries and May cherries 
grow plentifully in the surrounding swamps, and are largely 
gathered in their seasons. The most valuable farm-land is the 
meadow-bottoms, composed of blue mud. It is worth one 
hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars per acre, ac- 
cording - to condition, and capable of paying twenty per 
cent, on the investment. This meadow-land is far superior to 
the swampy bottoms farther up the surrounding streams, and 
the marshy bottoms down the Maurice. We think farmers 
should devote more attention to the raising of poultry for 
market. 

The lands surrounding Port Elizabeth are well drained by 
the Maurice River, and the Manumuskin and Muskee Creeks, 
and malaria and asthmatic affections are scarcely known. The 
general healthfulness of the town is also due to the deep wells 
and almost uniformly soft and very palatable water.* 

Along the Manumuskin are many so-called boiling springs, 
which bubble up from the foot-hills, and their sparkling and 
hygienic waters have a wide reputation. The annual rain-fall 
here is about forty-seven inches. So full and equable is the 
flow of the Manumuskin the year round, should a dam be 
erected at any point above the truss-bridge it would form a 
most excellent water-power for driving manufactories. There 
are natural banks on either side of the creek, about fifteen feet 
high, and a lake could be raised from an eighth to a quarter 
of a mile wide, and about two miles lone. The Manumuskin 



* Longevity of life here is the best proof of healthfuhiess. Many inhabitants 
live to a ripe old age, and one or two centenarians in the persons of Elizabeth 
Springer and daughter, deserve special mention. Elizabeth Springer died Decem- 
ber 2, 1857, aged one hundred and one years and six months, and was buried in the 
church-yard at Port Elizabeth. Rev. William Walton jireached her funeral sermon 
from the 11 6th Psalm, fifteenth verse: " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the 
death of his saints." She was blind for over twenty years, and a highly estimable 
and Christian lady. Margaret Springer, daughter of the above, died Jaiuiaiy 31, 
1879, aged one hundred years. 



40 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



and Maurice afford an easy and convenient outlet for the prod- 
ucts to Philadelphia; besides, the West Jersey Railroad is but 
a mile and a quarter from town. 

Underlying the surface soil is a stratum of fire- and potter's- 
clay which could be developed to great advantage. This is not 
the main clay-bed of two hundred and ten feet in thickness 
and its outcrop in the line of Atco, as described by State Geol- 
ogist Cook; for with its dip of thirty feet to the mile, it would 
be about four hundred feet below the surface at the Port. The 
clay-bed here is about thirty feet thick, and only a few feet 
below the surface. The fire-clay was used with much satisfac- 
tion about the furnaces of the Eagle Glass-Works, where it 
withstood an intense heat. This clay is specially adapted to 
the manufacture of brick and earthenware. In boring for a 
driven well below Colonel Willets's office, a stratum over thirty 
feet in thickness was gone through, which was exceeding fine 
and white, and was pronounced a fine quality of porcelain- 
clay. Muskee gravel has long been justly celebrated for its 
excellent quality, and the pits have long contributed to the 
good roads in this section of Maurice River township. The 
West Jersey Railroad Company have established their pits 
here, and thousands of tons are annually distributed along 
their road. In connection with this stratum of gravel is a 
dark-brown silicious conglomerate. This stone is extensively 
used for foundation-work in building, — the pot-house at the 
glass-works having been built of it entire. Glass-sand is 
also plentiful, and large quantities are shipped from Lore's 
Wharf 

The wood industry has always been an important feature of 
the Port. Many choppers are engaged during the winter in 
cutting cord-wood and getting out cedar rails. Pine and cedar 
logs are carted to Fries's and Jones's saw-mills to be converted 
into lumber. Before the many heavily-wooded tracts were 
burned on the line of the West Jersey Railroad, the wood in- 
dustry was much more extensive. In the early morning the 
first line of teams on their way to the wharves would measure 
half a mile in length. For the past twenty years the hoop- 
pole business has been fostered with great profit to the dealers. 



SPOK TING FEA TUKES. 



41 



The prepared hoops were largely shipped to the Southern States 
and the West Indies. 

Underlying the swamp and marshy bottoms, and deeply im- 
bedded in mud and vegetable deposit, huge cedar logs are found 
that belong to a pre-historic period. The wood is sound, and 
is utilized in the manufacture of " split mud shingles," which are 
highly prized for their lasting properties. In former days the 
tar and charcoal industry employed many men in the adjacent 
pine districts, but there is little accomplished in that line to-day. 
During the operation of the " Cumberland Iron-Works," char- 
coal was exclusively used for smelting purposes. Bog-ore fur- 
nished the metal, and to-day the many iron springs along our 
streams and through our swamps give evidence that the metal 
was never exhausted. 

In 1876, Dr. J. T. Sharp established a lime-kiln, with a ca- 
pacity of five hundred bushels. 

SPORTING FEATURES. 

The principal varieties of fresh-water fish that abound in the 
Manumuskin and Muskee Creeks are the chub, pike, sucker, 
roach, sunfish, and the inevitable eel. In the Maurice, the 
species are those which inhabit both salt- and fresh-water 
streams, and are chiefly represented by the catfish, perch, rock, 
herring, shad, and sturgeon. Now and then a porpoise finds 
his way up the river, probably being piloted by a school of 
fish upon which he seeks to prey. Many persons of a pisca- 
torial tendency find much diversion or monetary profit during 
the fishing seasons. 

The larger species of wild animals are yearly growing 
scarcer. There are yet a few deer, and the red fox and the 
gray arc sometimes run down. The raccoon and opossum are 
still quite plentiful, and the hare is largely gunned for in its 
season. There arc four species of squirrel in the woods and 
hedges, and the mink and otter are not yet extinct along the 
streams. The muskrats are a very numerous family along the 
banks of the Maurice. But the sport most relished by the 
townsmen, and especially fostered by the Game Protective 



42 



HJSrOKY OF FORT ELIZABETH. 



Society, is gunning for wild fowl. Several varieties of duck 
visit our ponds and streams. Quail, woodcock, English snipe, 
and the pheasant are more or less abundant, according to 
locality. The rail- and the reed-bird, however, elicit the most 
interest. The great September gale of 1876 swept away 
much of the bank on the west side of the Maurice, and an 
unsuccessful attempt was made to substantially replace it. 
The October gale of 1878 permanently opened great breaches 
all along the west bank, and now the meadows are open from 
Port Norris to above Port Elizabeth, and are grown up thickly 
with wild oats. These are the feeding-grounds of myriads of 
rail- and reed-birds from the first of September to the middle 
or last of October. Fully two hundred members of the West 
Jersey Game Protective Society are here at each recurring 
season, coming by rail or by water from Philadelphia, Camden, 
Trenton, New York, Newark, Jersey City, New Brunswick, 
Chester, Wilmington, Norristown, and other places. Four or 
five steam- and several sailing-yachts — of the former class, 
Disston's and Gibson's, and among the latter, the old champion 
" Minerva" — bring a large number of sportsmen to the grounds. 
From one hundred thousand to one hundred and twenty-five 
thousand are killed annually opposite the Port alone. A party 
of nine killed two thousand one hundred during one tide; and 
so numerous are the rail at times that one gunner will kill fifty 
before picking them up. One man has killed as high as three 
hundred and sixty-five, one tide. The best season's work by 
any one resident was accomplished by David Lore, who killed 
ten thousand birds. These, and similar statements, are some- 
times said to be grossly exaggerated, as the most of the rail 
are shot singly ; nevertheless, the facts are abundantly verified. 
At times the discharges are so rapid, it is found necessary to 
cool the gun-barrels by immersing them in water, or the gun 
is laid aside to cool while another fowling-piece is used in its 
stead. These rail-bird grounds are said to be the best in the 
United States. 



THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.. 



43 



THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF FEBRUARY 

19, 1885. 

It has often been asked why the joHification was made in 
cold weather. A short explanation of its origin and develop- 
ment fully answers that question, and the Port's patron saint, 
Elizabeth, may be forgiven for " fixing the date of the centennial 
anniversary of the place at so cold and cheerless a season of the 
year." On December 3, 1884, Rev. C. W. Livezly dropped into 
the studio of C. B. Ogden, and stated he had just received a 
postal from the presiding elder, Rev. Wm. Walton, requesting 
him to hold a celebration of American Methodism. Mr. Og- 
den remarked, " By the way, it has been just a hundred years 
since Port Elizabeth became a definite village ; why not have a 
double centennial celebration ?" After discussing the matter 
with several influential citizens, it was thought advisable to 
appropriately celebrate the anniversary of Methodism on the 
morning of Sunday, the 2 1st inst., and honor the memory of 
the Port in a befitting manner on the evening of the same day. 
Committees were appointed, but the time was found too short 
to prepare a historic sketch of the Port. Sunday was thought 
an inappropriate day, and that the centennial should be fixed 
for the middle of holiday week. As ideas developed, it was 
deemed best to call a mass-meeting of citizens. Accordingly, 
on December 16 a meeting was held in Lee's Hall, a commit- 
tee on resolutions was elected, and an executive committee 
chosen to devise plans and prosecute the work. The date was 
fixed for February 19, 1885, being as near Washington's 
Birthday as convenient. It was thought advisable to celebrate 
in the winter, that farmers, watermen, and the Eureka Cornet 
Band would all be at home and ready for the work. A centen- 
nial tea-party was mentioned for the evening of the day, and 
it was not dreamed that the interest would reach any one 
outside the village. The people thought they might have a 
baby elephant to amuse and instruct, but after the Executive 
Committee had met a few times, a veritable Jumbo was found 
on their hands. With the arrangements already made, it was 
found inexpedient to postpone to warm weather. 



44 - HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 
J. W. B. Vanaman, CJiainnan. 

Emily T. Sharp. Hester Hughes. 

Margaret L. Hays. Mary A. Mitchell. 

Ellen Harris. F. W. Bowen. 

Rhoda Loper. Harvey G. Hughes. 

Hannah Willets. C. B. Ogden. 

Hannah B. Oglee. Rev. C. W. Livezly. 

Harriet J. Ogden. Francis Lee. 

Mary Harris. Daniel Harris, Esq. 

Pricilla Heisler. Wharton Ogden. 

Amanda J. Mason. Major Henderson. 

Ann p. Vanaman. John S. Heisler. 

Mary Pancoast. Col. J. Howard Willets. 

Marga!iet Sheppard. Jonathan Lore. 

Hannah Leach. Wilson Banks. 

Mary Shaw. 

The morning of February 19 opened clear, bright, and frosty, 
with the thermometer at 10° above zero, and two inches of 
snow on the streets. The cannon pealed forth twice at day- 
break, three times at sunrise, and five times at eight a.m. By 
this time the great influx of visitors, by carriage, had com- 
menced to stream into town from the four points of the com- 
pass. A large number had arrived by railroad the night before, 
and with those who came on the morning trains from Cape 
May and Philadelphia, the crowd swelled during the day to 
about two thousand two hundred, including residents of the 
Port. They came from Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland, Maurice- 
town, Port Norris, Cedarville, Greenwich, Shiloh, Deerfield, and 
other points in the county, Philadelphia, Trenton, Tuckahoe, 
Cape May, Clayton, and some from as far west as Chicago. 

THE continental PARADE. 

As the stars and stripes floated across the main street, the 
parade, which was about a square and a half long, moved in 
the following order : The marshal. Captain Daniel Loper, Jr., 



THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 



45 



rode at the head, and was assisted by aides Ludlam Henderson 
and Harry Lore, Sr., all in Continental generals' uniforms. 
Then came a pioneer fife and drum corps, followed by repre- 
sentatives of the Manumuskin and Muskee tribes of Indians 
in their full tribal equipments and on horses. An old emigrant 
wagon, with flaring canvas top, came next, and bore an Indian 
damsel and several gayly-dressed children, who sang frontier 
melodies. On the canvas top was Greeley's injunction, " Go 
West, young man." The parade moved over " the bridge" to 
meet Elizabeth Bodly and friend and escort them into town, in 
memory of the first entrance of that estimable Quakeress to 
Port Elizabeth. Willie Mason impersonated Mrs. Bodly and 
Woodruff Boggs the friend. They were given a position in 
the parade behind the emigrant wagon. Next came Uncle Sam 
seated on a large mule. The character was taken by Joseph 
Bacon ; and with his white fur hat, high and bell-shaped, his 
blue swallow-tail coat bespangled with stars, and his red-and- 
white-striped breeches, did the character full justice. He was 
escorted by two dashing Young Americas, Harrie and Eddie 
Lore, on richly-caparisoned horses. These were followed by 
the minute-men of the twentieth century, — a company of small 
boys, all dressed alike in Continental uniform, bearing flags and 
drawing a small cannon. After the Continental civilians on foot 
came the Continental infantry, with its officers on horseback, 
John Fries, mounted on a fine charger, being general in com- 
mand. Next was an old-time wagon carrying a Continental 
" school-marm" and her nine scholars, whom she was drilling 
in music. After these came an automatic and life-like Conti- 
nental gymnast on a horizontal bar. Horsemen from Ewing's 
Neck formed the advance-guard of a carriage drawn by ponies. 
In it were seated Furman Campbell, a colonial Congressman, 
Major Henderson as Washington, Wharton Ogden as Frank- 
lin, and Stephen Reeves as Lafayette. The Eureka Cornet Band 
wagon was drawn by four iron-gray horses, and the seventeen 
members rendered excellent music on the march ; each was in 
Continental soldier uniform. About fifty Odd-Fellows from 
Leesburg, and in full regalia, were next in line, and followed by 
Jonathan Duffield and Henry Adler on horseback, and dressed 



46 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



as comic countrymen. The glass-factory bell was mounted in 
a wagon gayly festooned with bunting; a ludicrous darkey was 
driver, and another plied the clapper. The rear was brought 
up with the Hessians and cannon under the command of Conti- 
nental general, Japhet Fox. This cannon was a brass piece, 
a twelve-pounder, and loaned the people of Port Elizabeth by 
General Perrine from the State arsenal. After the parade had 
moved through the principal streets, it broke a little south of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church to have a photographic view 
taken. 



MORNING EXERCISES IN THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The interior of the church was gayly and tastefully decorated 
with flags, streamers, and evergreens. In the centre of a large 
ensign back of the platform was a life-sized, three-quarter por- 
trait of Elizabeth Bodly in Quaker costume. She was repre- 
sented with the deed of the church lot in her hands, and on her 
way to deliver the same to the trustees a hundred years ago. 
The portrait was surrounded by festooned flags of all nations, 
emblematic of her generous aid to all nationalities and condi- 
tions of men. To the right of the platform stood a four-by-six 
blackboard illustration in colored crayon, being a reproduction 
of her log house on the wharf a century ago. Over the stage 
was invisibly suspended the inscription worked in evergreen, 
"1785 — Port Elizabeth — 1885. Welcome." 

A single peal of the cannon at 10.45 a.m. announced the 
opening of the exercises, over which Rev. C. W. Livezly, pastor 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, presided. A strong and 
well-selected choir sang the opening chorus, "Hail! Smiling 
Morn," accompanied on the piano and cornet, the former by 
Mr. Mortimer Mayhew, and the latter b}^ Professor Ruric Cobb, 
of Mauricetown. Invocation was eloquently offered by Rev. J. 
R. Westwood, pastor First Methodist Episcopal Church, Mill- 
ville, and the orchestra rendered "The Red, White, and Blue." 
Rev. Mr. Livezly gave an address of welcome, which was re- 
plete with humor and kindly feeling, and the audience felt at 
home at once. "La Siecle Quick March" was discoursed, and 



THE CEh'TENNIAL CEf.EBRAllON. 



47 



General Jas. F. Rusling, of Trenton, was introduced as the 
orator of the niornin<^. His tiienie was "A Century of Na- 
tional Life." The orator traced the successive steps of our 
national development, drew a vivid and glowing picture of the 
grand expanse of our present national domain, and dwelt on 
the immense onward strides of our people in science, invention, 
and the mechanical arts. The speaker's clearness of thought 
and eloquence of expression frequently provoked rounds of 
applause, which showed the hearty appreciation of the well- 
packed audience. At the close of the oration, Rev. Livezly, in 
a few well-chosen remarks, presented the general with "a hand- 
some amber-colored glass fruit-dish, hand-painted and richly 
mounted in silver, as a token from the people of Port Eli/.abeth. 
From the handle was suspended a silver shield, one side bearing 
his name and the reverse the inscription, " 1785 — Port Elizabeth 
Centennial — 1885." The general was taken by surprise, and 
feelingly returned his thanks, closing with the utterance, "I will 
say, 'God bless Port Elizabeth.'" Then the Rev. Livezly arose 
again, bearing a facsimile (except the color being azure), and 
presented it to J. W. Newlin, Esq., "for services expected of 
him in the evening." The genial editor gave hearty thanks 
" for being paid before service rendered." The orchestra then 
played a selection from the "Bohemian Girl," and the audience 
was dismissed for dinner. 

BANQUET HALL AND ANNEX. 

The lower room of the public school-house was the main 
dining-hall, and was gayly festooned with ensigns and burgees. 
The Murphy House adjoining the school grounds was also 
utilized for dining purposes, and nearly two hundred persons 
were seated at a time. The repast consisted of roast turkey, 
chicken, beef, ham, salads, vegetables, preserved fruits, cake, 
bread and butter, coffee, tea, etc., and the eight tables were 
elaborately appointed, each being presided over by a matron 
and four aides. The latter wore rich and high-colored costumes 
of "ye olden time," and, with their Swiss caps and frills, made 
a pleasing spectacle. The dinner was served as in "days of 
yore;" only fifty cents was charged adults, and children were 



48 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



admitted at half price; the main object being to merely clear 
expenses. It is not known how many people were supplied, 
but the entrance to Banquet Hall was crowded for hours, and 
the hall was patronized till dark. 

AFTERNOON PROGRAMME. 

When the cannon pealed forth at 2.30 p.m., the church was 
again densely packed. The programme opened with a cornet 
solo, "Jardin Atlantique," by Professor Cobb. Then came the" 
History of Port Elizabeth, by F. W. Bowen; only a synopsis of 
events could be given in the time allotted the gentleman, but 
the reading was received with marked attention, and with 
many tokens of appreciation. " Auld Lang Syne" was heartily 
sung by the audience, and was followed by the Centennial 
Poem, entitled "Footprints," by C. B. Ogden. An article 
"written on the celebration says of the poem, " It was a very 
interesting and highly creditable production, thoroughly appre 
ciated and admired by all who heard it." After the orchestra 
rendered the " Marseillaise Hymn," Hon. B. F. Lee, Clerk of the 
State Supreme Court, and a former inhabitant of the Port, was 
introduced and made a short address. He gave many interest- 
ing early reminiscences, and his highly poetic descriptions M'ere 
most entertaining. Another selection was rendered by the or- 
chestra, after which the audience was dismissed. 

RELIC HALL. 

A highly-appreciated exhibit of relics was arranged in the 
second story of the school-house, and presided over by four 
young ladies, Hattie J. Ogden, Mary H. Oglee, Sallie L. Mason, 
and Anna Boggs, richly attired in Continental costumes. The 
room was elegantly decorated with flags, and densely crowded 
throughout the day. The ages of the relics ranged from seventy- 
five to six hundred and twenty-three years. The most valuable 
small objects were displayed in several large glass show-cases. 
At one end of the room was an old fireplace and chimney, 
arranged with crane, trammel, pot, andirons, shovel, and tongs. 
The principal relics and exhibitors of the same were as follows : 



TIJE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. ^g 

Frank Sawyer, tea-canister, lOO years old; Mrs, H. G. Hughes, 
pocket-book, 125; Mrs. Hannah Oglee, deed, 147; Rev. C. W. 
Livezly, coin, 623 ; Jacob Sheppard, silver spoon, 200 ; Mrs. 
Henry Rogers, bureau, 121 ; Mrs. Catharine Boggs, warming- 
pan, 1 10 ; Mr. Sharpless, infant's dress, 100 ; Daniel Harris, Esq., 
foot-stove, 150; Mrs. Ellen Harris, hair trunk, 100; Mrs. Lottie 
Brown, chair, 125 ; Mrs. Emma Lore, oil painting from Ger- 
many, 100; Wharton Ogden, family Bible, 115 ; Isaac Mayhew, 
spinning-wheel, 100; Mrs. Hannah Leach, wooden table-castor 
and brass kettle, 100; Francis Lee, Indian suit from Seminole 
war, bullet from battle-field below New Orleans, piece of wood 
from old fort, St. Augustine, Fla., 300 ; Miss Emily Sharp, silver 
spoon, 150, gold sleeve-buttons, 100; Mrs. M. L. Hays, love- 
feast cards, 116, glass plate, 150; Dr. J. H. Willets, cabinet 
of minerals and ore from North and South America ; Mrs. 
Abbie H. Gheen, silver knee-buckles, 100, Nelson's Justic, 
140, Continental money of 1774, invalid's gruel-cup, 100, knit- 
ting-sheath, 100; Mrs. Emma Campbell, punch-bowl, ball, and 
basket, each lOO; Captain Daniel Heisler, warming-pan, 120, 
stand, 100; John Heisler, teapot, 100; Joseph Henderson, 
earthen pitcher, 100 ; Mrs. Christina Coombs, liigh chair of 
Isaac Townsend ; Mrs. Ida Shropshire, horn spoon, 100; Jacob 
Haley, wooden shoe from England, 190; Miss Sallie Mason, 
piece St. Augustine fort, 300, paper containing General Wash- 
ington's death notice; Mrs. Ann Reeves, watch, no; Clarence 
Wills, cannon-ball from Revolutionary war; Mrs. F. W. Bowen, 
fringe from saddle and coat of Captain Lawrence, Revolutionary 
war; C. B. Ogden, tuckahoe-root, Manumuskin Indian spears, 
corn-pounder, stone axes and tomahawks, and Indian ear-rings ; 
Miss Anna R. Gray, silver spoon, 100; Frank Oglee, powder- 
horn, 103; Miss Maggie Helm, spoon, 150; Mrs. Ella Lore, 
dishes and books, 100; Nathan Baner, cloth cape, from wool 
picked from drowned lamb, carded, spun, and woven by his 
mother, no years ago; Mrs. Abbie Gilland, dish from Ger- 
many, 100. 

4 



^O HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 



THE LOG CABIN, AND SOUVENIR CUPS AND SAUCERS. 

This reminder of the days of our forefathers was erected 
under the direction of Daniel Harris, Esq., was twelve feet by 
sixteen feet, had one door and three windows, and was intended 
to represent Elizabeth Bodly's log house on the wharf a century 
ago. It stood on the school-house lot, and was to be head- 
quarters for the sale of the souvenir cups and saucers. It was 
found to be uncomfortable for the ladies in charge of the latter, 
and they were, in consequence, principally sold in Banquet 
Hall. These cups and saucers were gotten up at Trenton by 
special order, and five hundred were readily sold on the day of 
celebration and a short time after. The cups were inscribed 
" 1785 — Port Elizabeth — 1885," in maroon, brown, and mezzo- 
tint. In the afternoon about fifty aides were photographed at 
the end of the log cabin, and they formed a most picturesque 
group. 

EVENING EXERCISES. 

The evening programme was opened at 7.30 by the chorus, 
"A Hundred Years to Come." John W. Newlin, Esq., editor 
of the Milhillc Republican, W2i5 then introduced as the orator of 
the evening. His subject w^as, " Onward March." The speaker 
drew from the past to* show the possibilities of the future. The 
oration was a masterly effort, eloquently delivered, and many 
well-taken points were warmly applauded. The choir followed 
with "A Hundred Years Ago," after which a poem, entitled 
" My Mother's Green Grave," written in Port Elizabeth, May 
12, 1822, by " Caroline," was read by Jennie L. Mayhew, with 
an ease and grace that won many admirers. At this point Sen- 
ator Isaac T. Nichols was called for, and responded with a happy 
address, eulogizing the occasion and the genial people of Port 
Elizabeth. Music was again rendered, and, after a few apt re- 
marks by Rev. C. W. Livezly, reviewing the day's proceedings, 
and thanking the audience for their heartiness of participation, 
upon pronouncing the benediction, the Centennial celebration 
was declared closed. 




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THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 



REMARKS. 



51 



Lee's Hall was used as a rendezvous by the peogle during 
the entire day and evening. 

No more important event has occurred in Port Elizabeth 
since Dr. Thomas Yarrow delivered his famous oration here. 
July 4, 1799. 

The Port was fortunate in securing so many ensigns, burgees, 
port signals, and union-jacks for decoration purposes. There 
were thirty-seven large flags, principally from Mauricetown ; 
Dorchester and Leesburg furnished several. Of small flags 
there was a large number of every material and size. Not an 
accident occurred to mar the festivities. The net proceeds 
from the celebration were five hundred and sixty-one dollars 
and forty-eight cents. The expenses amounted to four hundred 
and four dollars and sixteen cents, leaving a balance of one hun- 
dred and fifty-seven dollars and thirty-two cents in the hands 
of the treasurer of the Executive Committee, W. Ogden. On 
March 9, 1885, a mass-meeting was called in Lee's Hall to vote 
the net proceeds for a specific object. It was decided to ai)ply 
them towards putting a new roof on the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. , 



FOOTPRINTS. 

PORT ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY, 16S5-1 785-1885. 
A CENTENNIAL POEM, 
BY CHARLES B. OGDEN. 



We hail with delight a Centennial morn 

Of chieftain, or hero, or proud nation born ; 

And surely we're pardoned, though humble our station, 

When point we with pride to one spot in that nation. 

We cherish our God-given country most grand. 

Bold hearts and strong arms that secured this great land. 

Though sacred we hold ev'ry foot of her soil, 

Most sacred is that where we give it our toil. 

We hallow the spot where our eyes first beheld. 
Whence the tyrant Oppression for aye was expell'd. 
In this land of the free, thefair Eden of earth 
Is the home of our childhood, the place of our birth. 

So pause we to-day 'long stern Time's rugged way. 
To note the posts gained, and what years agone say. 
Weird visions in dim, crude perspective arise. 
As the mythical wand brings its constant surprise. 

I. 

Go back to the forest primeval, and dream 
When all was dense woodland and meadow and stream ; 
When birds of wild plumage flit through the deep shade. 
And the wild beast's dread footfall was heard in the glade. 

While sway massive oak and tall pine in the wind. 
Through thicket and swamp speed the buck and the hind ; 
The panther and wolf, the fierce wild-cat and bear. 
Are ransjine at will, or secure in their lair. 



52 



FOOTPRINTS. 

Oh ! wildness of grandeur of Nature's domain, 
How fit that the lord that doth first o'er thee reign 
Is the tall dusky warrior, intrepid and true, 
Though his palace, a wigwam, — his throne, a canoe ! 

Thou Lcnni-Lenape, though thy numljers be more 
Than in regions beyond Makeriskitton's* shore, — 
The land of thy fathers, the pale-face doth need; 
The soil is now bartered to the Dutch and the Swede. 

Thy tribe, Menomuskin,f enduring and brave. 
Possess sterling virtues the pale-face might crave : 
Respect for the rights of each other their care, 
To elders, most rev'rent, — in traffic, most fair. 

Thy canoe shall no longer glide o'er the Muskee, 

No more on Wahatquenack,J — coursing to sea. 

Thou hast speared the last fish ; from thy bow take the string 

The last arrow has pierced the wild fowl on the wing. 

Thy picturesque village from hence must away; 
So fold to thy wigwam, make haste while ye may ! 
Take care of thy treasures in wampum and bone, 
Extinguish thy camp-fire ! poor Red-man, begone ! 

Old Sunrise, thou last of the sachems in line. 

Bid a lasting farewell to this forest of pine ! 

Call around thee thy braves ! each papoose is caress'd. 

The old council-fire quenched, push away to the West ! 

A moment he turns to his long-buried dead, — 

An instant, to catch the wind's moan o'er his head : 

The boughs bend to westward ; is't the Great Spirit's hand ? 

At once on the trail starts the copper-hued band. 



II. 
Thus find we this region two centuries past, 
Wlien the pioneer hunter his eye o'er it cast. 
A spot broken here, and cleared there, as we roam, — 
The wigwam makes way for the log cabin home. 

On the banks of the Maurice the colonist tarried, 
And hither the first Swedish households were carried. 
Here, too, was a building to God soon erected. 
And Moravian doctrines were taught and respected. 



53 



Indian name of the Delaware River. f Original spelling of the word. 

t Indian name for the Maurice. 



54 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

Soon came the staid Scotch; but the English before 
Had settled along Manumuskin's wild shore. 
They offered a refuge from Persecution's dread hand 
To the Quakers, and Wesley's young Methodist band. 

As gather these quaintly-clad folk in the wood, 
Contentment and Peace with bright wings o'er them brood, 
And Prosperity hovers her influence to wield. 
Bringing blessings of bounty to fireside and field. 

While sit they about the old yule-log's gay roar, 
The larder doth groan with abundance of store 
Of fish and wild fowl, of red deer and the bear, — 
From the rude cabin-door hurries troul)le and care. 

Ye hearthe is swept cleane, and ye bright crackling fire 
Is sending each moment ye merrie blaze higher; 
Now driving ye shadows about ye clay floor 
From out nook and corner, from chimney to door. 

Right cheerily supper now sings in ye pot. 
And silent ye reel, its duteous cares all forgot. 
Ye good-man's cob pipe is a-smoking out sorrow, 
Ye good-wife is humming o'er duties to-morrow. 

O modest Simplicity ! was e'er thy intention 
To yield up thy realm to man's studied invention ? 
That man in his cunning with neighbor should vie, 
Fi^et and fever his brain from his birth till he die ? 

What more to their stock can the New World bestow ? 
Prepared for the morrow, come weal, or come woe, 
Each cheerfully bends to his task for the day. 
Giving thanks that each soul can serve God as it may. 



III. 

When England's oppression impov'rished the land 
With taxes too grievous for freemen to stand. 
They hasted to prove a brave heart's resolution, 
And shed honest blood in the Old Revolution. 

As multiply numbers and trade brings supply. 
Many artisans come their vocations to ply. 
Far up Manumuskin, through swamp's tangled maze, 
Vessels sail for milled lumber in these pioneer days. 



FOOTPRINTS. 

From the quaint old log tavern whose host is John Dell, 
Where he cheers the new-comer a homestead t(i sell, 
The cedar-log house yields to neater frame dwelling. 
As rapid as now I the tale am found telling. 

Why bend to the woodman these old forest trees? 
What mean these new streets that the visitor sees? 
Why the glass-maker here, — the ship-builder, — the hatter. 
The blacksmith, — the weaver? Pray give us the matter! 

We find a new spirit has moved on the scene: 
In Quaker-hued garb^ she's the plain Forest Queen. 
With a heart great with kindness and wisdom she came ; 
Elizabeth Bodly, we rev'rence thy name ! 

Thy prudence and industry answer the question ; 
Thine enterprise hardly admits of suggestion ; 
Concerned for the welfare of little and great, 
Thou wouldst have all succeed in their chosen estate. 

By Act of Assembly, as soon as projected 

A dam o'er the stream Manumuskin's erected, 

And the town aptly christened " The Dam" was soon made 

A port of deliv'ry for foreign-built trade. 

Though early the date, in importance but third 

In all of South Jersey, — to some it occurred 

The name should be changed; and to honor their friend. 

It was called Port Elizabeth for that special end. 

The merchantman trader from over the sea 

Turns hither his prow, bringing coffee and tea. 

The Indies send fruits; while the Old World, from thence 

Sends cargoes for barter, or pounds, shillings, and pence. 

A building for worship was now a felt need. 

And before there was one for her own cherished creed, — 

Mrs. Bodly, whose bounty they never forgot. 

Gave the foU'wers of Wesley their present church lot. 

And this, because Methodists numbered the more ; 
But mainly because of her heart's golden store. 
Magnanimity this, of soul noble and pure ; 
'Tis a memory kind that shall ever endure. 

With jolting and jostling no nerves can withstand, 

And racket and rumble behind four-in-hand, 

Comes the lumb'ring old stage-coach, with saint and with sinner. 

With foam-covered steeds, all in time for " ye dinner." 



55 



56 



HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

With l^landest of smiles the old host kindly greets them, 
With hearty good cheer 'round the table he seats them, 
While off to the office the mail-pouch is carried, 
As waiting the postman the town -folk have tarried. 

The pranks and the games of the youngsters at play 
Were just such amusements they practise to-day. 
But the rough leather shoes and the homespun, I ween. 
Are never to-day in the nursery seen. 



IV. 

Again through the land is the call heard, to arm ; 
Immediate response comes from workshop and farm, 
And England the second time vanquished, is prone 
For the thrust at our shipping to quickly atone. 

When Conflict to Peace her dominion restores. 
And Migration speeds faster its tide to our shores, 
More interest is felt in the culture of mind, — 
For in this the Old World must not leave them behind. 

The spectacled pedagogue holds his " pay school," 

And wields misty lore, or the dreaded ferule; 

The pupils in homespun " must learn ;" for he teaches 

" Knowledge enters the mind through the ear or the breeches. 

While yet the old Fed'ral vSchool System is here. 
The Academy's praises are sung far and near ; 
The first in South Jersey, equipments complete, 
Many students in the classics and sciences meet. 

As mark we the footprints down History's page. 
One noteworthy fact doth attention engage : 
To the weak and oppressed full protection they gave. 
An asylum was proffered the fugitive slave. 

On leaving their shackles on old Southern soil. 
They still in this free land were wedded to toil ; 
And when we with kindness their ignorance shield. 
They were citizens true, both in workshop and field. 

Since penning these lines an old landmai"k we miss ; 
Wallace gains a far country still freer than this. 
Respected by all, of his church the main stay, 
Full of years. Uncle Billy now passes away. 
\ 



FOOTP/'UXTS. 

Then do you remember that true moral teacher 
Ezekiel Cooper, the old colored preacher? 
He was Nature's own nobleman, gentle and kind, 
In meekness possessing all virtues combin'd. 

V. 

We rejoice that our kin in the Mexican War 
Boldly entered those fields of dread carnage and gore, 
But the Land of the Cactus sapped less of our life 
Than our own Southern soil in the Great Civil Strife. 

When the cloud of Rebellion in mutterings vile 
Would blacken our ensign, our Union defile, 
The guns of Fort Sumter aroused Northern fire 
No tyrant could tame, or his paltry gold hire. 

Our boys joined the ranks when the service begun ; 
They fought at Cold Harbor, they bled at Bull Run ; 
At Chancellorsville was their keen metal tried. 
While some before Fredericksburg gallantly died. 

In the Wilderness fought they most valiantly, too, 
Spottsylvania saw much of their great derring-do ; 
And in Andersonville, foulest den upon earth, 
Some famishing lay ; oh, we knew not their worth ! 

Let us pause yet a moment to honor our dead ; 
Of their noble self-sacrifice much may be said. 
But mute is the lip; the heart thrills with emotion, 
As scan we their deeds claiming life-long devotion. 

Come wander with me where the mouldering dust 
Of the comrades in arms beneath earth's frozen crust 
Blend with honored civilians; let joy banish pain. 
For declare these old stones that " they lived not in vain. 



57 



You gather to-day to these haunts dear of old 
To greet a tried friend, and to hear his tale told ; 
You mark the old homestead ; old mem'ries revive, — 
Ev'ry spot is still hallowed; you joy we're alive. 

Yes, wc live, as our efforts this day do make known. 
Though the harvest be meagre from all the seed sown. 
Dead? Like Typhon, of whom sings the old Grecian bard. 
Though an .F.lna be- on us, we'll surely die hard! 
5 



58 HISTORY OF PORT ELIZABETH. 

While her love is aglow in the great common heart, 
While each son of distinction espouses her part, 
Secure in their hands the Old Port shall remain,— 
They will guard her best interests, and cherish her name. 

Thus note we the footprints adown the long years, 
Of our sowing and reaping 'mid joy and 'mid tears, 
But impatient is Time ; so again we commence. 
And will leave the results to a century hence. 



